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RESOURCE LIBRARY
ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are an energy source that cannot be depleted and are able to
supply a continuous source of clean energy.

286

IMAGE
Renewable Resources

Geothermal power is a form of renewable energy created by powering electrical

generators with the heat of the earth and naturally occurring subterranean hot water
reservoirs.

PHOTOGRAPH BY STOCKPHOTO52
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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY VOCABULARY

When it comes to energy resources, there is always the question of sustainability. It is

important that resources provide enough energy to meet our needs—to heat our
houses, power our cities, and run our cars. However, it is also important to consider
how these resources can be used long term. Some resources will practically never run
out. These are known as renewable resources. Renewable resources also
produce clean energy, meaning less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which
contribute to climate change.

The United States’ energy sources have evolved over time, from using wood prior to the
nineteenth century to later adopting nonrenewable resources, such as fossil fuels,
petroleum, and coal, which are still the dominant sources of energy today. But the Earth
has a limited supply of these resources. Recently, renewable resource use has begun
to increase. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 11 percent of the
U.S. energy consumption came from renewable resources in 2017.

There are some challenges associated with using renewable resources. For
instance, renewable energy can be less reliable than nonrenewable energy, with
seasonal or even daily changes in the amount produced. However, scientists are
continually addressing these challenges, working to improve feasibility and reliability of
renewable resources. 

Renewable resources include biomass energy (such as ethanol),

hydropower, geothermal power, wind energy, and solar energy.

Biomass refers to organic material from plants or animals. This includes wood, sewage,
and ethanol (which comes from corn or other plants). Biomass can be used as a source
of energy because this organic material has absorbed energy from the Sun. This energy
is, in turn, released as heat energy when burned.

Hydropower is one of the oldest renewable resources and has been used for thousands
of years. Today, every U.S. state uses some amount of hydroelectricity. With
hydropower, the mechanical energy from flowing water is used to generate
electricity. Hydroelectric power plants use the flow of rivers and streams to turn a
turbine to power a generator, releasing electricity.
 Geothermal energy comes from the heat generated deep within the Earth’s core.
Geothermal reservoirs can be found at tectonic plate boundaries near volcanic activity
or deep underground. Geothermal energy can be harnessed by drilling wells to pump
hot water or steam to a power plant. This energy is then used for heating and
electricity. 

Wind energy generates electricity by turning wind turbines. The wind pushes the
turbine’s blades, and a generator converts this mechanical energy into electricity. This
electricity can supply power to homes and other buildings, and it can even be stored in
the power grid.

Radiation from the Sun can be used as a power source as well. Photovoltaic cells can

be used to convert this solar energy into electricity. Individually, these cells only
generate enough energy to power a calculator, but when combined to create solar
panels or even larger arrays, they provide much more electricity.

Searching for the right method of using renewable resources is a task that is growing
ever more important as the Earth’s supply of nonrenewable resources continues to
dwindle. Converting to renewable energy will not only better sustain the world’s rapidly
growing population, but it will also provide a cleaner, healthier environment for the
generations to come.

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RELATED RESOURCES

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 Energy Resources

78

Coal, one of humankind’s earliest fuel sources, is still used today to generate electricity.
However, over time, there has been a shift in demand for cheaper and cleaner fuel options,
such as the nonrenewable energy source of natural gas, and renewable options like solar
power and wind energy. Each energy resource has its advantages and disadvantages.
Explore nonrenewable and renewable options with this collection on energy resources.

VIEW COLLECTION

Renewable Energy Explained

21

Solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal power can provide energy without the
planet-warming effects of fossil fuels.

VIEW ARTICLE
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Renewable Energy

96

Renewable energy comes from sources that will not be used up in our lifetimes, such as
the sun and wind.

VIEW LEVELED ARTICLE

Executive Energy Efforts

Throughout his presidency, Jimmy Carter pushed for increased use of renewable energy.
He even put solar panels on the White House!
VIEW ARTICLE
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